Aging-in-Place Design: Creating a Home That Works for Every Stage of Life

As we grow older, most of us have the same goal: to remain in the home we love for as long as possible. It's where we raised our families, made memories, and established connections within our communities. However, as time passes, our needs often change, and certain areas in our home may become less convenient, comfortable, or safe.

That's where aging-in-place design comes in—an approach that modifies your home to accommodate your changing physical needs as you age. 

“With thoughtful design and remodeling, homeowners can enjoy beautiful living spaces that support their independence, comfort, and safety as they age,” says Joseph DeSerrano, Vice President of Design & Development at Cormack Construction Management and a Certified Aging-in-Place Specialist. (CAPS)

Joseph and the Cormack team help homeowners throughout New Hampshire's Lakes Region, Mount Washington Valley, and Western Maine make practical, attractive improvements that meet their needs today while planning for tomorrow.

Cormack completely remodeled this bathroom for aging-in-place living.  The freestanding vanity provides wheelchair access underneath, while widened doorways and lower-mounted fixtures make the bathroom easier to navigate and use.

Aging-in-Place Design Principles

Aging-in-place design focuses on making everyday activities easier, safer, and more comfortable. Here are its key principles:

Planning Ahead for Changing Needs

One of the most important principles of aging-in-place design is planning ahead. You may not need shower grab bars or wheelchair-accessible entryways today, but incorporating the necessary structural considerations during a build or renovation can make future modifications much easier.

“A good example of planning ahead is reinforcing bathroom walls during construction so that grab bars can be installed later without extensive remodeling,” Joseph explains.  Similarly, designing a spacious shower or allowing additional clearance around fixtures can accommodate changing mobility needs.

Planning for the future can help homeowners avoid more costly or disruptive renovations down the road.

Accessibility & Ease of Movement

Your home should be easy to navigate, regardless of your age or mobility level. Wider doorways, fewer steps, and thoughtful room layouts will help you move easily and comfortably through every living space.

Designing with aging-in-place requirements doesn't mean sacrificing quality or style. This bathroom, designed by Cormack Construction Management, expresses our client’s personal style with high-end brass fixtures mounted lower for aging-in-place accessibility.

Safety Without Sacrificing Style

Preventing slips, falls, and other household accidents is an important part of aging-in-place design. Improvements such as slip-resistant flooring, better lighting, easy-to-operate fixtures, and additional support features can make a meaningful difference.

These modifications don't have to make a home look institutional. Today's materials, fixtures, and design options let accessibility features blend beautifully into a home's overall aesthetic.

In this bathroom remodeling project, Cormack Construction Management incorporates age-in-place design in many ways.  Lower bathroom countertops allow wheelchair access.  Additional items like a lower storage bench make getting dressed and undressed easier. A larger shower and wider entryway improve access and provide space for someone to assist with showering if needed. Grab bars and a curbless (zero-entry) shower make entry and exit safer.

Comfort and Convenience

Aging in place isn't just about making adjustments to improve your safety as you get older. Easy-access storage cabinets, lever-style door handles, improved lighting, and accessible countertops can make your daily life easier and more enjoyable at any age.

“Many of these features are examples of universal design, an approach that creates spaces that are easier and more comfortable for everyone to use, regardless of age or physical ability." —Joseph DeSerrano, Vice President of Design & Development

The Cormack team designed this bathroom for wheelchair accessibility, including a zero-barrier shower entry, flip-down shower seat, additional grab bars, an ADA-accessible toilet, lowered switches, and a storage cabinet with low knobs.

Why the Bathroom Is a Good Place to Start Aging-in-Place Remodeling

Although you can incorporate aging-in-place improvements throughout your home, your bathroom is a good place to start. 

Why? Because bathrooms present unique challenges. From wet surfaces and tight spaces to limited support around toilets and showers, a typical bathroom can make everyday activities increasingly difficult as mobility, balance, or flexibility changes.

A thoughtfully designed bathroom can address these concerns while creating a more beautiful and functional space.

Common Aging-in-Place Bathroom Modifications Include:

• Curbless or Zero-Entry Showers: Eliminate the need to step over a bathtub wall or raised shower threshold.

• Flip-Down Shower Seating: Provide a comfortable place to sit while bathing and save space when not in use. 

• Grab Bars and Support Features: Offer additional stability around showers, tubs, and toilets.

• Slip-Resistant Flooring: Improve traction on surfaces that may become wet.

• Comfort-Height Toilets: Higher seats make it easier for homeowners to sit and stand.

• Accessible Vanities and Storage: Keep everyday necessities within comfortable reach.

• Improved Lighting: Increase visibility around mirrors, showers, and other frequently used areas.

• Easy-to-Operate Fixtures: Incorporate lever-style door handles, handheld showerheads, and conveniently positioned controls.

Not every bathroom needs every modification noted above. The right combination depends on the homeowner's lifestyle, preferences, and anticipated needs.

Aging in Place Doesn't Mean Compromising on Design

One common misconception about aging-in-place remodeling is that accessibility comes at the expense of appearance.

“In reality, many of the features that make a bathroom safer and easier to use are also the desirable elements of a luxurious, modern bathroom design,” Joseph points out. 

These features may include: spacious walk-in showers, attractive tile, floating vanities, custom storage, and carefully planned lighting. “The key is to prioritize accessibility in the overall design rather than treating it as an afterthought," he adds.

Planning for Today and Tomorrow With Cormack:

Discuss Your Aging-in-Place Remodeling Project

Aging-in-place remodeling focuses on how homeowners use their spaces, identifies potential challenges, and creates solutions that support their lifestyles over time.

Cormack Construction’s Certified Aging-in-Place Specialists serve homeowners throughout NH’s Lakes Region, White Mountains, and Western Maine. Contact our team today to discuss your home remodeling project.